Are You a Freshman?

You’re considered a freshman for admission purposes if you’re applying to WSU for the academic year immediately after graduating from high school. This includes high school seniors who participated in Running Start or College in the High School.

You’re also considered a freshman if you haven’t attended college since high school graduation. Your age also affects how you apply, so if you’re 25 or older, check out the adult application process below.

Requirements

The state of Washington maintains the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) that all first-year students have to meet to qualify for college admission. More information on CADRs is available from the Washington Student Achievement Council.

If you’re in the top 10 percent of your class or have a 3.5+ unweighted GPA, check out WSU’s assured admission program. We have a spot waiting for you.

How to Apply

1. FILL OUT THE FRESHMAN APPLICATION

The priority application date for fall semester is January 31 and November 15 for spring semester, but we accept applications throughout the year. To be considered for merit-based awards you must apply by the priority application date.

2. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

To make sure you receive the highest possible amount of financial help, file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid for HB 1079 students only) by January 31.

3. PROVIDE YOUR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS, TEST SCORES, RESUMES, AND MORE.

Your next step depends on your education background.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE

Whether you’re applying for the semester directly after your high school graduation or have been out of high school for awhile, here’s what you need to send in:

Have your high school send your official transcripts to WSU. If you have college credit through Running Start or a similar program, ask the college to send those transcripts to WSU as well.

STUDENTS OVER 25

You’re considered an adult student for admission purposes if you’ll be 25 years or older on your first day of classes at WSU, and have less than a year’s worth of college work to transfer.If you’ve completed a full year of transferable college work, you should follow the transfer admission requirements. If you’re considered a freshmen, please include the following materials:

Have your high school send us an official transcript with graduation date. If you have a GED, have the testing agency send us your official GED transcript instead.

If you have completed some college courses, also have the college (or colleges) you attended send us your official transcripts.

In addition to your application and transcripts, please also send:

A resume covering the last five years; and.

A brief essay (no more than one page) addressing why you want to attend WSU.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATE

Did you complete some or all of your schooling at home? You’re welcome at WSU and your requirements are nearly the same as other freshmen!

Have your official scores from the SAT or the ACT and official transcripts from any high schools or colleges attended send.

And send one of the following:

An academic resume that provides documentation of all subjects studied and textbooks used, including the signature of the parent or guardian; responsible for the student’s curriculum

Or an official transcript from the GED exam.

Get Credit for AP, IB, and Running Start

WSU awards credit for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, as well as for Running Start and similar college-in-the-high-school programs.

IB Credits

Running Start

To get credit for Washington’s Running Start or a similar program that lets you take courses for both college and high school credit, simply have an official transcript of your college-level work sent to WSU Tri-Cities. Aside from that, you’ll follow the usual steps for applying as an incoming freshman.

Please note: When ordering an electronic transcript from a school that partners with e-Script Safe, National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment, DO NOT enter an email address. The partner agency will send us your transcript directly.

If your school does not partner with one of the listed agencies, request that your school mail a sealed official transcript to the address above.

Note: This is a guide to the admission process, not a statement of policy. See the WSU General Catalog for official requirements and regulations.